The enduring appeal of liberalism – strategic planning for liberal youth

About the event

As the European Liberal Youth, LYMEC, is turning 50 Years old in 2026; the European Liberal Forum is inviting them to reflect on what Liberalism meant for their founders, how this political philosophy shaped the movement and the political landscape and how it evolved in almost 50 years. This workshop in The Hague will be the occasion, to engage the reflection on what it meant to be liberal from the 70s to today. Participants are expected to choose from the 3 working groups to reflect on Liberalism. Liberalism and Society, Digitalisation and Liberalism, Liberalism and European Politics (see details below).

Each participant will need to reflect and deliver a 1 pager on the topic before the event. At the end of the event, each working group will present their findings to the other working groups. The content will be edited and reviewed by the Policy and Research Unit of ELF along with the Policy Officer of the European Liberal Youth and shared within the network as a source of reflections in preparation for the 50 years of the organisation and the ELF network overall. Participants will be selected beforehand based on their qualifications and experience in each field of the working groups.

Programme

Working Group 1: Liberalism and Society

Focus: The impact of liberalism on social issues, cultural norms, and societal structures over the past 50 years.
Questions: How has liberalism influenced: Gender equality / LGBTQ+ rights / Environmentalism / Education / Healthcare
Looking Forward: Explore emerging social issues and how liberal principles can address them in the future.

Working Group 2: The Digital Age and Liberalism

Focus: The influence of technology and social media on liberal values, activism, and political engagement among young people.
Questions: How has the internet transformed the ways in which young people participate in liberal
movements? What are the challenges and opportunities of online activism? How can liberal youth organisations effectively leverage digital platforms to reach and mobilise young people?
Looking Forward: Discuss the potential impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality on liberal values and activism.

Working Group 3: Liberalism and European Politics

Focus: The role of liberalism in political systems, governance, and international relations.
Questions: How has liberalism influenced political institutions and democratic processes? What are the challenges faced by liberal democracies in the 21st century? How can liberalism promote peace, cooperation, and human rights on a global scale?
Looking Forward: Explore the potential impact of emerging conflicts and geopolitical trends on
liberal values and governance